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Open Letter: A Turning Point for American Discourse
Open Letter: A Turning Point for American Discourse

Honoring Charlie Kirk’s legacy will restore civility to our nation.

Dear Spectator readers,

Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of Charlie Kirk, a steadfast champion of conservatism and a guiding voice for college students everywhere. It is hard to gauge the full impression he left on Washington and Lee University, where he spoke in both 2019 and 2024.

Not everyone on campus agreed with him. Despite this, Kirk openly sought opposition to his views and reinforced an often-neglected principle of American discourse:  personal opinion is subject to critique, and no ideology is free from debate.

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W&L’s Free Speech Ranking Slips
W&L’s Free Speech Ranking Slips

The recently published report shows a renewed dip in the university’s openness and freedom of expression.

Sigma Nu Members Cast a Vision for the Future
Sigma Nu Members Cast a Vision for the Future

Three of Sigma Nu’s members explain what the fraternity means to them and its future.

Peale’s George Washington Portrait Loaned for Semiquincentennial Celebrations
Peale’s George Washington Portrait Loaned for Semiquincentennial Celebrations

The one-of-a-kind portrait will be displayed across Virginia over the next year and a half.

Washington and Lee Sets Lower Tuition Increase
Washington and Lee Sets Lower Tuition Increase

Tuition will increase by 4.9% for the 2025-2026 academic year.

Play Discusses Euthanasia and the “Right to Die”
Play Discusses Euthanasia and the “Right to Die”

Christine Toy Johnson discusses her musical “Till Soon, Anne,” arguing  for the “right to die.”

Richmond Fed President Discusses Economic Volatility
Richmond Fed President Discusses Economic Volatility

Tom Barkin discusses monetary policy and the current economic uncertainty.

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Intervention for Me, But Not for Thee
Intervention for Me, But Not for Thee

The reaction to Trump’s strike on Iran is symptomatic of a deeper problem.

India-America: The Greatest Alliance That Never Was
India-America: The Greatest Alliance That Never Was

The recent tension between India and the United States threatens our security and President Trump’s legacy.

Farewell Note from Former Editor-in-Chief
Farewell Note from Former Editor-in-Chief

Former editor Andrew Thompson reflects on his time at W&L and its future.

W&L Mishandles Summer Power Outage
W&L Mishandles Summer Power Outage

Students endured a campus-wide power outage with minimal support from the university during an extreme heat wave.

America’s Pressing Counterinsurgency Problem
America’s Pressing Counterinsurgency Problem

America’s capacity for foreign conflict is dangerously low and a threat to our security.

Trump’s Foreign Policy Disaster
Trump’s Foreign Policy Disaster

Trump’s foreign policy has significantly eroded America’s global power and influence.

Tariffs As a Tool, Not an End
Tariffs As a Tool, Not an End

Why free trade is not the answer to Trump’s economic failings.

DEI at W&L: Is the End in Sight?
DEI at W&L: Is the End in Sight?

Can President Trump’s pressure finally right the course of our beloved institution?

Keep the Bankers “Dancing in the Street”
Keep the Bankers “Dancing in the Street”

And let small business owners dance on Main Street, too.

Gerard Baker’s Run-in with “the Law”
Gerard Baker’s Run-in with “the Law”

Campus police intervened to prevent engagement with Washington and Lee’s history.

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A Presidential Defense of the Honor System
A Presidential Defense of the Honor System

Former university president challenges law professor’s censure of Honor System.


Historical Highlight: A Student Under General Lee
Historical Highlight: A Student Under General Lee

An aged alumnus looks back at the stern yet kindly leadership of President Robert E. Lee


America’s Pressing Counterinsurgency Problem
America’s Pressing Counterinsurgency Problem

America’s capacity for foreign conflict is dangerously low and a threat to our security.

Historical Highlight: Washington Responds to Gift Solicitation
Historical Highlight: Washington Responds to Gift Solicitation

President George Washington picks Liberty Hall Academy to receive his gift of stock.

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Cartoon: “The New Museum”
Cartoon: “The New Museum”
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Interim Dean Youngman Discusses W&L’s Future
Interim Dean Youngman Discusses W&L’s Future

Paul Youngman addresses his goals as dean of the college and the future of academia.

Professor Lucas Morel on America250
Professor Lucas Morel on America250

The head of W&L’s Politics Department discusses helping to plan America’s semiquincentennial celebrations.

Conversations with Participants of Lee-Jackson Day
Conversations with Participants of Lee-Jackson Day

Participants share their opinions on the holiday and its connection to Washington and Lee University.

Freshman EC Representative Gives Thoughts on White Book, Honor System
Freshman EC Representative Gives Thoughts on White Book, Honor System

Yoong met with The Spectator and discussed his views about the Executive Committee.